The Kenyan Ambassador to Qatar HE Paddy C Ahenda has urged Kenyan expatriates to join self-help groups and savings and credit cooperative (SACCO) societies so that they are able to save and invest.
The ambassador was speaking at the Kenyan National Day, popularly known as ‘Jamhuri Day’, which is celebrated on December 12.
Speaking at the event, Ahenda said, "To Kenyans present here today, I applaud your unity and encourage that you continue in the same spirit. There are various self-help groups and SACCOs, such as Corniche Diaspora Kenya Qatar Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (Corniche Sacco) which are good vehicles for galvanizing savings here in Qatar for investments back home. Our policy is to encourage the Diaspora to save and invest.”
Kenyan expatriates, the ambassador noted, are hard working. He thanked the Qatar Government for giving them a chance to contribute to the development of this country.
"There are over 30,000 Kenyan migrant workers here in Qatar and I want to sincerely thank the Government and the great people of Qatar for providing opportunities to our people to be a part of the workforce that is contributing to the phenomenal growth of this country. I am proud that Kenyans working in this country have proved themselves as talented, highly skilled and hardworking.”
Talking about sports, Ahenda said Kenyan athletes participated in this year’s events including the IAAF Doha Diamond League; IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019; and the annual Ooredoo marathon. "In all these championships, our athletes confirmed that we are indeed world beaters by scooping medals in their disciplines.”
On a different note, the ambassador said Kenya is not only an anchor to the fragile peace and security in the region, but is also a generous country that works hard to build peace among its neighbours. "Our commitment to a peaceful world is evidenced by Kenya’s leading role in various global peace initiatives. As part of its contribution to global peace, Kenya has had the distinction of being a refugee-hosting nation. It has been an overwhelming responsibility but we continue to offer safe haven to our brothers and sisters unable to return home, or on transition to third countries, where they are able to make positive contributions to host countries.”
According to Ahenda, it is for these reasons, and based on its impeccable credentials that Kenya is seeking to join the Security Council as a Non–Permanent Member for the 2021–2022 term at elections to be held in June, 2020.
"We believe we can make a positive contribution to global peace and security with the ultimate goal of achieving necessary conditions for the attainment of sustainable development. Our campaign is themed ‘Peace and Security for Sustainable Development’,” he noted.